Your kids are making money, and you don't even know it
Good morning from the Valley — the fields are talking, the rivers are moving, and we've got stories from five communities that matter.
Okay, so picture this: You’re in Grade 9, still figuring out if you prefer blueberry picking or just eating them, and you’re already pitching your own business idea to a panel of honest-to-goodness entrepreneurs. That’s exactly what happened out here at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford this week with their inaugural Bearcat Ventures event. High school students, from Grade 9 to 12, got a taste of the real world, Shark Tank style, trying to impress local business folks with their innovative ideas. I tell you, it warmed my heart to see these young minds tackling challenges and dreaming big. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about planting seeds for future growth right here in our community.
### The Future of the Valley
This isn’t just some school project; it’s a big deal for Abbotsford. We've got so many incredible family businesses and agricultural ventures, from the berry farms down on Sumas Prairie to the bustling shops near Sevenoaks. Getting our youth involved in entrepreneurship early, teaching them how to innovate and problem-solve, that’s how we keep the Valley strong. These kids are the next generation who will be stewarding our land, building new businesses, and ensuring our communities thrive. It’s about building a future where our young people see opportunities right here at home, not just in the big city.
* **Real-world skills:** Students learned about market research, financial planning, and public speaking. * **Local connections:** Bridging the gap between students and established Abbotsford business leaders. * **Fostering innovation:** Encouraging creative solutions for local and global challenges.
It’s a reminder that while we’re busy with the day-to-day, the next crop of ideas is already growing, right here in the heart of the Fraser Valley. Who knows, one of these kids might just come up with the next big agricultural innovation, or a solution to help our small businesses flourish along South Fraser Way. That’s the kind of forward-thinking that keeps our fields productive and our community vibrant.
Harpreet Gill-Thiessen, MiTL Sports Desk, Abbotsford.
My friends Harj and Amrit are always chatting about this kind of stuff on the morning show — catch them live at mornings.live.